Forest brush-clearing projects continue

Daryl Davis and Dave Moyer of the Forest Service survey the Glaze Meadow project area. Photo by Conrad Weiler

Forest Service crews are clearing land of brush and small trees in Glaze Meadow in order to lower fire risk and maintain the meadow. The clearing area is adjacent to Black Butte Ranch (BBR) on the eastern boundry near the Sisters gate.

The BBR area thinning project has been ongoing since 1995 and helps provide fire prevention and lines of defense for the local area.

"We're thinning small trees, nine inches or less," said Dave Moyer, Forest Service Timber Stand Improvement Specialist. "This reduces ladder fuels as we reduce the number of small trees in the area."

The project has some residents hoepful for other benefits.

"Maybe I'll get to see the elk herd again in the meadow," said BBR resident Jean Nave.

With tree growth in the area encroaching on meadowland, the elk are less likely to use this area for browsing.

The cuttings are piled in the meadow and may be burned as necessary, according to Daryl Davis, Assistant Fire Management Officer with the Forest Service.

"The idea is to save the meadow and provide a fire break for defending against forest fires," he said. "We'd like to get back to pines and grasses."

The fire cycle in this area ranges between five and 35 years, according to Davis.

"Without fires, the brush and small trees continue to grow and add potential fuel to the area. We'd like to have controlled burns that mimic the natural burn cycles and provide health for the forest and protection for local residential areas."

Twenty Department of Corrections inmates start next week and will augment the thinning crew and fire suppression team. They will be used to hand pile cut plant materials and will be available for this work over the next 11 weeks.

Oregon Department of Forestry workers and silviculturists from the Forest Service also help in local projects.

Nearby, the Highway 20 project, between Sisters and BBR, is set to continue with thinning in that area. This project has been going on since 1999.